Corporate Ladder: Your weekly guide to executive appointments in South Australia
South Australia’s premier executive appointments column tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors. Plus, the latest executive recruitment opportunities.
Former deputy premier appointed small business commissioner
Former Liberal deputy premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan has been appointed as South Australia’s next small business commissioner, beginning his three-year term on August 11.
In the role, van Holst Pellekaan will investigate complaints on behalf of small businesses in relation to their commercial dealing with other businesses, as well as assisting in dealings with state and local governments.
Van Holst Pellekaan represented the seat of Stuart from 2010 until 2022, during which time he was deputy premier and energy and mining minister.
Van Holst Pellekaan is a former professional basketballer, having played forward for the Hobart Devils from 1985 to 1988.
Small and Family Business Minister Andrea Michaels congratulated van Holst Pellekaan on his new position.
“The former Liberal Deputy Premier has a long history of working with small businesses – including as a small business owner himself – and his background in state and local government makes him ideal to support our state’s small business owners,” said Michaels.
“I think small business owners will feel heard and understood with him in their corner, and I look forward to seeing the strong and thoughtful advocacy I know he’ll have for small businesses across South Australia.”
Past opposition leader to lead community consultation for proposed rare earths mine
Former state opposition leader and industry and trade minister Iain Evans has been appointed as chair of the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) for Australian Rare Earths’ (AR3) Koppamurra Project.
In this role, Evans will lead community consultation on a proposed rare earths mine in South Australia’s southeast.
Evans has more than three decades of experience in leadership roles in both the public and private sector.
Evans served as the member for Davenport in state parliament from 1993 to 2014, during which time he held ministerial portfolios ranging from police and emergency services to recreation, sport and racing, industry and trade, and environment and heritage.
He was also the deputy leader of the South Australian Liberal Party from November 2005 to March 2005 and leader of the Opposition from March 2006 to April 2007.
Evans is also the former owner and managing director of Evanstone Hardware and Evanstone Constructions, former CEO of Quality Australian Foods Group and Pangula Mannamurna Inc., and former chair of Radio Adelaide, Recreation SA and Seafood Industry South Australia Inc.
Evans is currently president of Bowls Australia, chair of Southern Rock Lobster, Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association and Redlove, principal consultant at Iain Evans Consulting and a board member of the International Centre of Trade Transparency and Monitoring and Wana Ungkunytja.
“This is a pivotal time for communities in the South East as AR3 takes the next steps toward applying for a mining licence. The CCC is the formal avenue for communication and discussion between AR3 and the key representatives of the community,” said Evans.
“The CCC is an ideal platform for us to show key community representatives the strict processes and regulations we are governed by as we move through each step of the mining application,” said AR3 managing director Travis Beinke.
Lutheran Homes Group welcomes general manager of risk and compliance
Lutheran Homes Group has welcomed Penny Moore as its general manager of risk and compliance.
Moore brings extensive senior leadership experience across the local government, higher education and public service sectors.
She was most recently the director of accountability and risk at the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman, where she spent the past five and a half years overseeing enterprise risk, governance, compliance and reporting functions.
Before this, she was company secretary at the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, director of chancellery and council services at the University of South Australia, group manager of governance at the City of Onkaparinga, director of governance at the Adelaide Hills Council and manager of corporate at the City of Marion.
Moore is also currently deputy chair of the Animal Welfare League of SA, where she has been a board member for the past eight and a half years.
“Penny brings a deep understanding of governance and risk, along with a strong commitment to collaborative leadership,” said Lutheran Homes CEO Tim Chia.
“Her appointment will strengthen our organisation’s capability and contribute significantly to our continued growth and adaptability within the evolving aged care sector.”
Climbing the ladder at Perks
Perks has announced six promotions in its team, including Nick Bromell as a director of its audit team, Steve Martin to the newly-created role of client service director and Rebecca Jayne to associate director in private wealth.
You might like
Meanwhile, Andrew Camens, Tracy Bonney and Tyson Smith have been promoted to associate directors within Perks’ accounting and business services team.
Bromell began as an accountant in Perks’ business services division in 2009 and has worked with upper mid-market firms, corporate enterprises and associations in the public and private sector.
He has extensive experience in external audit, statutory account preparation, grant acquittals and trust account management.
Martin has more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance, including as relationships manager at National Australia Bank and local business banker at Westpac.
Jayne joined Perks in 2014 as a financial adviser before being promoted to a senior financial advisor in August 2021.
She has more than 20 years of experience assisting clients with strategic financial planning and investment decisions.
Jayne is also an accredited aged care specialist, providing clients with guidance related to social security and aged care.
Camens began his accounting career as a graduate accountant in the Perks business services team in 2016 and has experience implementing accounting software systems and making use of technology to enhance operational efficiency.
Bonney also started as a graduate account at Perks in 2008 and plays a key role in the firm’s pharmacy specialisation, supporting clients in hospitality, trades and investment.
Smith has more than 14 years of experience at mid-tier accounting firms and provides integrated business and personal financial advice to sectors such as retail, agribusiness and health.
He specialises in taxation, compliance, budgeting and forecasting and leads digital transformations through cloud-based accounting tools.
“At Perks, we recognise our great work is the result of our valued people. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating pathways for our people to thrive,” said Perks CEO James Black.
“These appointments reflect the outstanding calibre of leadership we have within our business and the value these individuals bring to their teams and clients.”
 |
|
Chief Executive Officer for the highly respected not-for-profit, Zahra Foundation, a vital organisation creating pathways to safety, empowerment, and independence for individuals and communities impacted by domestic violence. Lead a mission-driven team delivering trauma-informed support services, financial counselling, education programs, and advocacy for women affected by domestic violence. Flexible work options will be considered. General Manager Home and Community Support, with Lutheran Homes Group, a growing not-for-profit aged and community care services provider with a bold vision and positive empowering culture underpinned by values that foster belonging and a strong sense of community. This pivotal senior leadership role will drive the growth of community-based aged care with a highly respected, contemporary service provider focused on high-quality person-centred care. |
 |
Resolutions Minerals Limited ramps up US operations
Resolutions Minerals Limited has announced the appointment of Craig Lindsay as CEO of its United States operations.
In the role, Lindsay will be responsible for stakeholder engagement, overseeing exploration activities, project management, executive reporting, and strategic and corporate development.
Lindsay has more than 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital-raising and corporate development, mining production and exploration, and previously led four United States-based resources projects from the exploration stage through to production and sale.
This includes as founder and CEO of Magnum Uranium Corp, founding and managing Otis Gold Corp., as founder of OneAsia.com (Holding) Ltd and through his involvement in the Kilgore Gold Project in Idaho.
The appointment comes ahead of the Resolution’s maiden drill program at the Horse Heaven Project in Idaho.
“Horse Heaven is an extremely exciting existing Antimony-Gold-Silver-Tungsten project with significant potential to host commercial quantities of gold, antimony and tungsten,” said Lindsay.
“The project is well-positioned to play a role in meeting the growing US demand for domestic sources of critical metals, in addition to its potential for a significant gold resource.”
Resolutions Minerals Ltd is based in Adelaide and is a precious and battery metals explorer with projects in the USA and Australia.
Elders gains decades of experience
Elders has appointed John Talbot as its new head of commercial real estate, to be based in Sydney.
Talbot has 40 years of experience working in capital markets, agency sales and professional services in Australia and internationally.
He was most recently the non-executive chair for Australia and head of valuation and advisory services for Asia Pacific at JLL, where he collectively spent over 20 years in a variety of roles.
In his new role, Talbot will lead Elders’ efforts to build its commercial offering and market presence in regional centres and capital cities.
“John brings a rare combination of strategic insight and hands-on expertise that has been honed over decades in the commercial property sector,” said Tom Russo, who is executive general manager of the network.
“His professionalism, leadership and deep understanding of market dynamics will be invaluable as we scale our commercial real estate offering. We are confident that John will build on our existing offering to drive growth and set a new benchmark for excellence across our network.”
Elders is an agribusiness headquartered in Adelaide, which dates back to 1839.
Wealth firm appoints new partner
Patrick Sutherland has been appointed as a partner at Halpin Wealth after more than eight years with the firm.
Sutherland has more than 15 years of experience in the financial planning profession, specialising in wealth management, retirement planning and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Sutherland joined Halpin Wealth in 2017 as a client service officer, rising through the ranks to provisional financial adviser and, most recently, a financial adviser.
“I’m really proud to step into this new role and help shape the future of the firm,” said Sutherland.
A new role at Nova Systems
Mark Slade has joined Nova Systems in the newly created role of managing director of integrated solutions.
In this role, Slade will focus on delivering systems integration, products and software solutions for clients.
Slade has more than 35 years of experience in military and civil systems integration.
He joins Nova Systems from Australian Naval Infrastructure, where he spent the past year in the role of infrastructure delivery.
Before this, he spent nine months as a product manager at NDE Solutions.
Slade also collectively spent more than 26 years at SAAB, including as general manager for its civil solutions systems.
During his previous roles, Slade helped develop the ANZAC Ship Combat Management System and Army Short Range Air Defence System upgrade, as well as playing a key role in systems integration planning for the AUKUS Nuclear Powered Submarine Construction Year.
“Nova’s reputation for solving complex challenges with clarity and purpose, and their vision for their future role in the systems integration market, is what drew me in. I’m looking forward to helping shape the next chapter,” said Slade.
PCG Legal expands team
PCG Legal has welcomed Amie Narayan as a consultant, bringing more than 30 years of experience in both corporate and commercial law.
The medium sized, Adelaide-based law firm said Narayan has a strong track record in advisory, transactional and litigation matters, particularly in insolvency, corporate recovery and restructuring.
“Our clients will appreciate the comprehensive legal solutions his expertise provides across various industries, including aviation, agribusiness, business transactions, property, construction and commercial lending,” the law firm said.
“PCG Legal is an expanding legal office in Adelaide CBD where Arnie will provide strategic advice and support across a broad spectrum of transactions, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and legal acumen.”
Promotions at TGB
Stay informed, daily
Law firm Tindall Gask Bentley (TGB) has announced a suite of promotions across its South Australian offices, including the appointment of Scarlett Grose as a senior associate in Adelaide and Reynella.
Grose re-joined TGB as a lawyer in March 2022, after brief stints as a clerk and personal assistant at the law firm in 2019.
Following her return, Grose worked her way up to associate in July 2023 prior to her most recent appointment.
She was also a solicitor at Rosey Batt & Associates from November 2019 to May 2022.
Meanwhile, Eric Metcalf, Maddison Lloyd, Christiana Michaels, Theodora Sevastidis, Lucy Schapel and Neesha Prabhu have been appointed as associates.
In addition, long-term senior associate Carissa Miller has been appointed as practice leader for TGB’s Port Lincoln office, while Daniel Weekley will be criminal practice leader for South Australia and Western Australia.
TGB has also announced the appointment of Peter Milte as a senior lawyer.
Milte was previously an injury lawyer and partner at Wallmans Lawyers and has more than four decades of experience in personal injury law and civil litigation.
“We are extremely proud to acknowledge the achievements of these talented lawyers. Their promotions and appointments not only reflect their legal acumen and hard work, but also their alignment with TGB’s core values of reputation, relationships and respect,” said TGB CEO, Claudio Galloni.
Flinders University professor to advance ageing-related research
Professor David Currow has begun his role as strategic professor of the Flinders Ageing Alliance at Flinders University.
In this role, Currow will be responsible for furthering Flinders University’s ageing-related research, innovation and community engagement in areas such as cancer and palliative care research.
Alongside supporting the Flinders Ageing Alliance Leadership team, he will also undertake his own research and will foster transdisciplinary research across the university’s colleges, research institutes and centres, and with external stakeholders.
Currow is currently an honorary professor of palliative care at the University of Technology, Sydney, and previously spent 25 years as chair of palliative and supportive services at Flinders University from 2000 to March 2025.
He was also previously deputy vice-chancellor of research and sustainable futures at the University of Wollongong, CEO and director of the Cancer Institute NSW and foundation CEO of Cancer Australia.
Senior communication advisor begins at CSIRO
Tanya Wilkins has begun as a senior communication advisor at CSIRO in the Climate Systems Hub.
Wilkins is currently also chair of the Writers SA board, where she has been a member for the past three and a half years.
She was previously a sessional academic in media relations at the University of Adelaide, a research assistant in communication at the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies, a regional chapter secretariat at TCI Oceania, engagement manager at 2XE and founder and director of Wilkins Communication.
Before this, she held media management roles at the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fight Food Waste CRC, the University of Oxford, and I WORK FOR SA.
“While this will be a challenging role, I am devoting all my professional attention to this one job, no more ‘portfolio life’ while I knuckle down and finish this PhD,” said Wilkins.
Moving up at Zoos South Australia
Cameron Smith has been promoted to marketing manager at Zoos South Australia.
Smith joined Zoos South Australia as digital marketing coordinator in July 2021 before being appointed as acting marketing manager in November 2024.
Before this, he spent three and a half years as a digital marketing assistant at Hugh Hamilton Wines.
“I arrived as a Digital Marketing Coordinator during the very first Illuminate Adelaide season; into a zoo full of light, colour, and possibility,” said Smith.
“And over the last four years, it’s been an honour to work on some truly impactful campaigns, lead digital innovations, and know that our work was helping connect people with nature and save species from extinction.
“I’m so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible marketing team. I’m lucky to be waiting in the footsteps of Zoos SA marketers gone by. And I’m lucky to walk into work alongside an uncountable number of dedicated, talented people.”
Jumping on board at RAA
Sunita Gloster AM and Dinuke Ranasinghe have been appointed to the RAA board, replacing Victoria Angove and Sharon Starick, respectively.
Gloster brings to the board more than 30 years of leadership experience in customer strategy and professional services.
She has expertise in professional services, member organisations, consumer marketing, digital strategy and customer technology platforms.
Gloster is currently chair of Diversity Council Australia, and a non-executive of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and the UN Global Compact Network.
She is also a senior advisor at Accenture and a fellow of the CEO/Director Network for the DFAT Centre for Australia-India Relations.
Ranasinghe is currently the chair and CEO of e-commerce company Arcadier.
He is also a fellow at the Royal Society for Arts in London, Manufactures and Commerce, and a non-executive director of Cashflow Manager and HomePlus in South Korea.
Ranasinghe previously collectively spent seven and a half years at Paypal in various roles, including most recently as regional head of strategy and business development for Asia Pacific.
Before this, he held senior roles at Visa International, EnergyAustralia and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“As RAA embarks on its next chapter under the Corporations Act with a modernised corporate governance structure and growing and diverse business, it’s imperative we have Directors with the right skill set to help lead the organisation,” said RAA board chair Kathy Gramp.
“Both Sunita and Dinuke have decades of experience leading and guiding organisations across a diverse range of portfolios.”
Making a difference at Tutti Arts
Annemarie Kohn, Becci Love and Emma Kindred have joined the board of Tutti Arts.
Kohn is a philanthropy fundraising professional who is the former head of philanthropy and development at the Environmental Defenders Office.
Throughout her career, Kohn has held roles ranging from senior manager of development at the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra to co-chair of the Arts Industry Council of South Australia, and manager of Carclew, where she established the Pom Pom Children’s Art Space.
Love is an arts and events producer who has more than 20 years of experience in the arts industry.
She is currently the manager of events at the University of Adelaide, a board member of ACE Open and a committee member of the Arts Industry Council SA.
Love previously held roles with Helpmann Academy, Adelaide Festival of Ideas, Access2Arts, MOD., FELTspace, Vitalstatistix, the Adelaide Film Festival, Mercury Cinema, Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Writers Week and Insite Arts.
Kindred has spent a decade working in music and visual arts roles in Adelaide, ranging from artist support to development and advocacy roles, including at Carclew, Music SA and WOMADelaide, as well as co-founding indie record label Part Time Records.
Kindred has also had Sydney-based roles in live music, tour management and as an artist and label manager for One Louder Entertainment.
She also previously sat on the boards of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, the National Live Music Awards and Three D Radio, where she hosted a breakfast radio show promoting local artists.
“From a field of highly skilled candidates, I am delighted to welcome three new members to the Tutti Arts Board,” said Tutti Arts chair Beth Neate.
“As we continue to advance Tutti’s ambitious goals for learning-disabled and neurodivergent artists, the perspectives, ideas, energy, collaboration and insights of our new Board members will be instrumental.
“Extending our Board will help Tutti Arts deepen our capacity, broaden our reach, and secure wider recognition while helping Tutti to remain well governed, financially sustainable, and committed to our purpose and vision.”
